Amidst the challenging times that Bruce Willis and his family are facing due to his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis, the Hollywood star has received an outpouring of support from his former colleagues and co-stars. Director M. Night Shyamalan, who worked with Willis on the iconic movie “The Sixth Sense” as child psychologist Malcolm Crowe, recently spoke about the actor and his family during a preview event for his upcoming thriller “Trap,” starring Josh Hartnett.
Shyamalan expressed his admiration for Willis’ family, stating, “[Bruce] has a very loving family,” before adding, “They’re doing the best they can.” The director’s kind words highlight the bond that has endured between him and Willis since their collaboration on “The Sixth Sense” in 1999. Additionally, the duo worked together on the sci-fi thriller “Unbreakable” in 2000, as well as its sequels, “Split” and “Glass.”
Another former collaborator of Bruce Willis, Glenn Gordon Caron, the creator of the hit series “Moonlighting,” also shared insights into the actor’s current condition. In an interview when the show made its streaming debut on Hulu, Caron discussed his efforts to stay connected with Willis and his family.
Reflecting on the changes he has observed in Willis due to his illness, Caron remarked, “The thing that makes [his disease] so mind-blowing is [that] if you’ve ever spent time with Bruce Willis, there is no one who had any more joie de vivre than he.” He continued, “He loved life and just adored waking up every morning and trying to live life to its fullest.”
Caron sadly noted the impact of the disease on Willis’s cognitive abilities, stating, “He used to be a voracious reader… He’s not reading now. All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce.” Despite the changes in Willis, Caron emphasized the importance of cherishing the moments spent with him and expressed gratitude for his presence.
While the support and kind words from colleagues like M. Night Shyamalan and Glenn Gordon Caron serve as a source of comfort for Bruce Willis and his family during this challenging time, it is evident that the impact of his condition is profound. Caron’s poignant revelation that “the joie de vivre is gone” underscores the emotional toll that the degenerative disease has taken on the beloved actor.
As fans and well-wishers continue to show their support for Bruce Willis and his family, it is a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity. The unwavering support from former colleagues and the entertainment industry at large serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bruce Willis and his contributions to the world of film and television.
The acknowledgment and support from individuals like M. Night Shyamalan and Glenn Gordon Caron offer a glimpse into the deep connections forged in the entertainment industry. As Bruce Willis navigates the challenges of his FTD diagnosis, the outpouring of love and admiration from his former colleagues highlights the resilience and camaraderie that define Hollywood. Through their words and reflections, we are reminded of the power of empathy and the enduring impact of human connection in times of hardship.
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